The Bengals remind me a lot of myself. There’s talent there but they can never quite pull it together to create anything substantial. Instead of making the major changes needed to find success they’re content with repeating the same things and anticipating different results. While I go call my therapist please enjoy 4 Down Territory with the Cincinnati Bengals.
1st Down - Marvin Lewis is back
After rumors swirled that the Bengals would be getting rid of Marvin Lewis they shocked everyone by giving the coach a two year extension. Entering his 16th year as Bengals Head Coach, Lewis ceiling is defined as he has never won a playoff game as head coach. So the question is does anything change this season? Instead of a change at head coach Lewis is back. For the most part the same personnel is returning from last year’s sub .500 squad. While other teams around them have made strides to either maintain excellence (Pittsburgh) or to add some excitement to their quarterback rooms (Cleveland & Baltimore) - Cincinnati has decided to maintain the status quo for another year.
2nd Down - Has Andy Dalton peaked?
Andy Dalton’s regression last season was on full display for the whole league as the Bengals’ offense was putrid. The three time Pro Bowler will be 31 by the beginning of the season and despite pockets of success throughout his career there are legitimate questions about whether he can lead the Bengals going forward. Dalton has talented players around him in AJ Green, Brandon LaFell, and Tyler Boyd at the receiver positions along with Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard in the backfield. Additional contributions from John Ross or Tyler Eiffert would only strengthen the group. Still everything falls on Dalton, if the Bengals don’t produce we’re seeing the beginning of the end of his time as their starter.
3rd Down - Will Vontaze Burfict be missed?
Vontaze Burfict will miss the first four games of the season due to a violation of the NFL’s PED policy. He isn’t the most talented player in the defensive side of the ball, but he brings an edge that any defense in the AFC North needs to compete. The Bengals strength on defense last year was their pass rush and Burfict was a key component of that ranking in the top ten of creating pressures and stops among off ball linebackers (PFF). With the Colts, Ravens, Falcons, and Panthers on the schedule during Burfict’s vacation - the Bengals are going to need someone else to step up.
4th Down - What will Cincinnati get from Tyler Eiffert?
When healthy Tyler Eiffert is one of the most dynamic playmakers at the tight end position. The problem is Eiffert has rarely been healthy to this point playing 24 games out of 64 over the past four years. The Bengals brought Eiffert back on a one year deal, far from the lucrative deal that seemed poised for a few seasons ago. With Tyler Kroft emerging as a steady option for the team, the once promising Eiffert’s health and production is definitely something to keep an eye on.
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